Prime Minister Drew Urges Decisive Unity at ACTIF2025

The fourth Africa Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025), held in St. George’s, Grenada on July 29, 2025, served as a pivotal platform for reigniting the dialogue surrounding strengthened collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean. Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, delivered a compelling address, urging attendees to reimagine the Atlantic Ocean not as a barrier, but as a bridge connecting two regions poised for shared prosperity. His speech emphasized the urgent need for deeper collaboration to unlock the immense potential residing within both regions, calling for concrete actions to dismantle historical barriers and foster a future of mutual growth and development.

Dr. Drew’s address underscored the historical context of the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, acknowledging the shared ancestry and the imperative to move beyond historical divisions. He argued that fostering stronger ties is not merely a symbolic gesture but a strategic imperative for achieving economic progress and global influence. By working together, he posited, Africa and the Caribbean can leverage their combined strengths to become significant players on the world stage, no longer relegated to the periphery of global development. He challenged the audience to embrace a bold vision of shared leadership, advocating for the dismantling of bureaucratic and physical obstacles hindering collaboration, and replacing them with bridges of commerce, culture, and cooperation.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of tangible steps to facilitate connectivity and collaboration. He stressed the need to simplify travel between the two regions, advocating for visa-free travel and direct flight routes to foster seamless movement of people and goods. This enhanced accessibility, he argued, would stimulate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, creating a vibrant ecosystem of interaction that would propel both regions forward. He drew a parallel with the ease of travel to Europe, urging for a similar level of accessibility between Africa and the Caribbean, emphasizing that such connectivity is not merely desirable, but achievable with focused effort and collective will.

To further solidify his call for actionable change, Dr. Drew showcased the progress already achieved through academic exchanges, cultural fusion, and trade missions, demonstrating that collaboration is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible reality. He urged attendees to build upon these successes and accelerate the pace of integration. He presented a vision of a “Global Africa,” unified not just by shared heritage, but by a shared ambition for prosperity and global influence. This unity, he argued, is the key to unlocking the full potential of both regions and achieving a future defined by their own terms.

Dr. Drew’s address served as a powerful call to action, urging participants to move beyond mere dialogue and commit to concrete deliverables. He challenged the forum to transform ideas into action, fostering a sense of urgency in bridging the Atlantic divide. He emphasized the need for practical steps to facilitate trade, investment, and cultural exchange, transforming the Atlantic from a perceived barrier into a conduit for opportunity. He called for dismantling visa restrictions, simplifying trade regulations, and fostering direct investment to fuel economic growth and development.

The Prime Minister concluded his address by reaffirming Saint Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to strengthening ties with Africa. He highlighted the Federation’s active engagement in forging partnerships, particularly with Afreximbank, and expanding opportunities across various sectors, including trade, education, and culture. This commitment, he argued, serves as a testament to the tangible steps being taken to build the “Atlantic Bridge” and usher in a future of shared prosperity for Africa and the Caribbean. He emphasized the role of Saint Kitts and Nevis as a model for proactive engagement, encouraging other nations to follow suit and contribute actively to building a stronger, more interconnected future for the two regions. His address served as a powerful call to action, urging all stakeholders to embrace the vision of a unified “Global Africa” and work collaboratively to achieve this shared ambition.